Chrysanthemum plant named &#39;Chaclair&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct Chrysanthemum cultivar is provided that is the result of a controlled breeding program. Attractive large ball-shaped uniform pure white blossoms are formed in profusion. Such blossoms commonly are approximately 12 cm in diameter when fully open. The growth habit is very compact and nicely branched following pinching. The foliage is dark green and contrasts well with the pure white blossom coloration, and the stems are very strong. The response time is approximately eight weeks. The plant grows well in pots.

BOTANICAL/COMMERCIAL CLASSIFICATION

[0001]Dendranthema grandifloria/Decorative Pot Mum

VARIETAL DENOMINATION

[0002] cv. ‘Chaclair’

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofChrysanthemum, botanically known as Dendranthema grandiflora, andhereafter is referred to by the cultivar name ‘Chaclair’.

[0004] The new cultivar of the present invention was created at Nuaillé,France during the course of a controlled breeding program. The seedsresulting from the cross were sown and small plants were obtained whichwere physically and biologically different from each other. Selectivestudy resulted in the identification of a single plant of the newcultivar of the present invention.

[0005] It was found that the new Chrysanthemum cultivar of the presentinvention displays:

[0006] (a) a very compact growth habit with good branching followingpinching,

[0007] (b) forms attractive large long-lasting decorative ball-shapedpure white blossoms,

[0008] (c) forms very strong stems,

[0009] (d) forms attractive dark green leaves, and

[0010] (e) an ability to grow well in pots.

[0011] The new cultivar can be grown singly or in clumps in pots. Italso can be grown in the landscape. The pure white blossoms of gooduniformity contrast nicely with the dark green foliage. The blossomshave been found to be long lasting and commonly last approximately threeto four weeks on the plant. The plant responds well to pinching andyields a well-branched growth habit.

[0012] Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by the use of cuttingsas performed at Nuaillé, France, in a controlled environment hasdemonstrated that the characteristics of the new cultivar are firmlyfixed and are retained through successive generations of asexualpropagation.

[0013] ‘Chaclair’ has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions to date. Accordingly, it is possible that the phenotype mayvary somewhat with variations in the environment, such as temperature,light, day length, contact with pesticides and/or subjection to grownregulation treatments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

[0014] The accompanying FIG. 1 depicts a typical plant of the new‘Chaclair’ cultivar while growing in a pot in a greenhouse at Nuaillé,France. The attractive pure white ball-shaped blossom configuration anddark green foliage are illustrated. The plant had undergone pinching.

[0015] The accompanying FIG. 2 depicts a closer view of a substantiallyball-shaped blossom and foliage of the ‘Chaclair’ cultivar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The plants described were grown in pots in a greenhouse atNuaillé, France. No growth regulation was used. The growing conditionsapproximate those commonly utilized for the commercial production ofdecorative pot mums. The plants had undergone pinching.

[0017] General Appearance:

[0018] The plant branches nicely following pinching to produce a verycompact growth habit.

[0019] Foliage:

[0020] Attractive dark green (as illustrated).

[0021] Stems:

[0022] Very strong.

[0023] Flowers:

[0024] Possess an attractive pure white and very uniform coloration. Theconfiguration is initially somewhat flattened and changes to a generallyball shape with progressing maturity. The diameter is approximately 12cm when fully expanded.

[0025] Flower Duration:

[0026] Very long lasting with the blossoms commonly lastingapproximately three to four weeks on the plant.

[0027] Response Time:

[0028] The time between the beginning of the short day period and theflowering date at normal temperature and light intensity isapproximately eight weeks.

[0029] Usage:

[0030] Decorative pot mum with large pure white blossoms.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant thatdisplays: (a) a very compact growth habit with good branching followingpinching, (b) forms attractive large long-lasting decorative ball-shapedpure white blossoms, (c) forms very strong stems, (d) forms attractivedark green leaves, and (e) an ability to grow well in pots;substantially as illustrated and described.